Even so, he found it no easier to talk about his painful reality as the day of reckoning rapidly approached.

After completing his final practice with the Indianapolis Colts before a four-game NFL-imposed suspension was to begin, Mathis found himself nearly at a loss for words when attempting to sum up what the next four weeks will feel like.

When the subject was raised, his head dropped. His voice trailed off, reduced to a mumble.

This is not merely a touchy subject. It is a deeply emotional one.

"It's over and done with," said Mathis, who was denied an appeal by the NFL. "I guess it's here."

For Mathis, the mere notion of watching Colts games he'd normally participate in is jarring. On that topic, the All-Pro outside linebacker said little. But in doing so, he said so much.

"I don't know," he said. "It'll be hurtful, that's for sure. To be honest, I'd rather not talk about it. No offense."

The NFL in May handed down a four-game suspension of Mathis after it said he tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Clomid.

Mathis admits to using the drug — one employed by some steroid users to normalize testosterone levels and mask steroid use — but he claims he did so to treat infertility issues. Mathis' wife, Brandi, recently gave birth to a baby girl.

Really though, the truth doesn't matter. The NFL doesn't generally make exceptions to its performance-enhancing drug policy. In that regard, this case was treated no differently than any other.

As of Saturday, when Mathis was officially placed on the NFL's suspended list, he was forced to vacate the team's facility. He can't practice with teammates. He can't speak with his coaches. He can't even eat in the lunchroom.

It's a bizarre existence for a cornerstone of the franchise who rarely misses a game.

The impact will be two-fold — felt both by Mathis and those who have come to rely on his fierce pass-rush skills and demonstrative leadership.

"It's going to be strange for sure. This is going to be the first time we're going to be separated," said second-year outside linebacker Bjoern Werner, who has grown quite close to Mathis. "I have to step up. I have to grow up fast. But I'm ready to do my thing and help this team win in those first four games."

Werner has shown tremendous growth through training camp and the preseason. But then there's replacing a six-time Pro Bowl player.

"There's so much wisdom. He's seen it all," Werner said. "There are always situations that come up when you play different teams. And it makes me feel more comfortable because he always has the answers. This is a learning process and he always has something to teach me. He's seen it all in his 12 years."

Indianapolis Colts' Robert Mathis (98) is fired up as he leaves the field during the first half of action. The Indianapolis Colts play the Denver Broncos Sunday, October 20, 2013, evening at Lucas Oil Stadium. Matt Kryger / The Star (Photo: Matt Kryger / The Star)

Colts OLB Robert Mathis,left, comes into knock the ball for a fumble and sack Seahawks QB Russell Wilson late in the second quarter. The Colts defeated the Seahawks 34-28.
Indianapolis Colts play the Seattle Seahawks in their NFL football game Sunday October 6, 2013, at Lucas Oil Stadium. Matt Kryger / The Star (Photo: Matt Kryger)

Indianapolis Colts Robert Mathis celebrates his sack on Jacksonville Jaguars Chad Henne.
The Indianapolis Colts played the Jacksonville Jaguars in their NFL football game Sunday, December 29, 2013, afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo: Matt Kryger / The Star)

The Raiders Terrelle Pryor scrambles away from the Colts Bjoern Werner and Robert Mathis,left.
Indianapolis Colts play the Oakland Raiders in their season opener Sunday, September 8, 2013, afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo: Matt Kryger / The Star)

Tennessee Titans Ryan Fitzptrick watches his fumble roll away from him after Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis sacked him in the second half of their game.
Indianapolis Colts play the Tennessee Titans in their NFL football game Sunday, December 1, 2013, afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. Matt Kryger / The Star @mattkryger (Photo: Matt Kryger / The Star)

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne is sacked by Indianapolis Colts Robert Mathis in the first half of Sundays game on December 29, 2013. The Colts beat the Jaguars 30-10. (Photo: Matt Detrich/The Star)

Indianapolis Colts Robert Mathis celebrates his sack on Jacksonville Jaguars Chad Henne.
The Indianapolis Colts played the Jacksonville Jaguars in their NFL football game Sunday, December 29, 2013, afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo: Matt Kryger / The Star)

Kansas City Chiefs Alex Smith is strip-sacked by Indianapolis Colts Robert Mathis, during third quarter action, Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts, first round of the NFL playoffs, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Saturday, January 04, 2014. Colts won 45-44. (Photo: Robert Scheer)

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That experience of which Werner speaks will be sorely missed when the Colts take on the Denver Broncos in Sunday's season opener. Awaiting them will be quarterback Peyton Manning, who certainly hasn't forgotten the beating he took from Mathis in last season's matchup with the Colts.

Mathis' sack-strip in the second quarter of the Colts' victory on Oct. 20 led to a safety and dramatically altered the game's trajectory. Mathis later added another sack to help finish off the Broncos.

He had longed for the opportunity for years, having spent so many long days on the practice field unable to touch Manning during the quarterback's 14 seasons in Indianapolis. It was an unleashing of years of pent-up aggression.

So, imagine Mathis' delight to see the Broncos on the schedule to open 2014. The feeling was matched only by the disappointment of now being forced to miss the game.

"He's the ultimate competitor," Mathis said of Manning. "I'd like to think I'm a competitor as well."

The Colts are left to lament what might have been with Mathis on the field.

"Those hits, once that starts to happen, I don't care who you are," coach Chuck Pagano said. "Those great quarterbacks, they're able to put that behind him and keep their eyes down the field. When that happens, you start feeling that presence. You start feeling that rush. Your eyes tend to drop a little bit.

"You might start watching things that are happening up front rather than keeping your eyes down field. Peyton is the best that's ever played the game when it comes to focusing on that. (But) when you've got game wreckers breathing down your neck down after down, obviously it makes a difference."

Instead, the Colts will have to settle for ensuring Mathis is ready to chase quarterbacks once he returns. The team has used the months since the suspension's announcement to formulate a plan to keep him sharp. He'll work with a trainer at a private facility to keep himself conditioned and ready to play.

"We can't have him come back in Week 5 for Baltimore and we're starting from scratch," Pagano said. "He's got a great plan. I know Robert and everybody in this building knows Robert will stick to that plan and be ready to roll once he gets back."